Vaccinium Macrocarpon Research Articles

Phytochemical analysis and protective effects of Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) in rats (Rattus norvegicus) following ethylene oxide-induced oxidative insult

ABSTRACT The Vaccinium genus comprises more than 126 genera of perennial flowering plants that are commonly adapted to poor and acidic soils or epiphytic environments. Their molecular and genomic characterization is a result of the recent advent in next-generation sequencing technology. In the current research, extracts were prepared in different media, such as petroleum ether, methanol and ethanol. An extract of Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) was used at a dose of 200–400 mg/kg by weight (B.wt). Levels of oxidative stress markers, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured. A histopathological study of six vital organs in rats was also conducted. The results indicated that the antioxidant levels were lower in the group given only ethylene oxide (EtO) but higher in the groups receiving cranberry extract as a treatment. Major improvements were also observed in stress markers such as advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and MDA following cranberry treatment. Histopathological changes induced by EtO were observed in the heart, kidney, liver, lung, stomach and testis and were reversed following cranberry treatment. The major toxic effects of EtO were oxidative stress and organ degeneration, as observed from various stress markers and histopathological changes. Our study showed that this extract contains strong antioxidant properties, which may contribute to the amelioration of the observed toxic effects.

Life History and Damage by Systena frontalis F. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.

Pest management of emerging pests can be challenging because very little fundamental knowledge is available to inform management strategies. One such pest, the red-headed flea beetle Systena frontalis (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is increasingly being identified as a pest of concern in cranberries Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton (Ericales: Ericaceae). To improve our understanding of this pest and to develop more targeted management programs, we conducted field and laboratory studies to characterize the development, seasonal emergence patterns, and density-dependent plant injury. We found that significantly more flea beetle eggs hatched when exposed to sustained cold treatment between 0 and 5°C for 15 wk than at warmer temperatures, and for shorter and longer cold-period durations. The adults emerged sporadically over the summer, were patchily distributed, fed on both fruit and foliage, and preferentially fed on new plant growth. Using soil cores, we found eggs and larvae located relatively deep (>30 cm) in the soil. These patterns indicate that S. frontalis likely overwinters as eggs, and that targeting the larval stage may be the most effective management approach. Despite the cryptic nature of the larvae, continuing to improve our understanding of this life stage will be critical to optimizing control strategies.

Evaluation of optical parameters of Vaccinium macrocarpon fruit (Iranian cranberry) as a substitute for Cornus mas with emphasis on chemical properties in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases

Background: The growing interest of health products based on fruits and herbs has led manufacturers of oral health products to focus on fruits and plant products, which can be replaced by conventional chemical products to improve treatment methods and pay attention to the category of preventive dentistry. Materials and Methods: In this study, the optical properties of cranberry and Cornus mas tea with Avantes broadband light source in the range of 300-1100 nm were investigated. The quasi-optical light spectroscopy test method includes 4cc of two cranberry and Cornus mas tea, which were prepared from about 1.7 g of dried fruit of these two fruits in 40 ml of 60oC water for 15 minutes. A review of 36 articles from PubMed, Scopus, and Google has been conducted by Usage Research from 1994 to 2020 to introduce the use of this fruit in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Results: Cranberry and Cornus mas tea, both have a maximum peak spectrum around 759.8 nm and a minimum transmission spectrum around 439 nm. There is an acceptable agreement between the results of the transmission spectrum (in the range of 300-1100 nm) and the absorption spectrum (in the range of 400-750 nm). Cranberries, like Cornus mas, are chemically rich sources of antioxidants and anthocyanins. Conclusion: Spectroscopic studies in terms of optical interpolation features showed that the two fruits were not significantly different. Studies of chemical properties also suggest that polyphenols with anticariogenic properties and anthocyanins by inhibiting interleukins, reduce the use of antibiotics to prevent and treat periodontal disease, prevent bacterial resistance in they oppose dental treatments using antibiotics. Therefore, there is no significant difference between these two fruits in terms of photochemical properties, which shows that these two fruits can be a good alternative for each other in terms of health and treatment in oral use.

Genotyping-by-Sequencing Identifies Historical Breeding Stages of the Recently Domesticated American Cranberry

The cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is a North American fruit crop domesticated less than 200 years ago. The USDA began the first cranberry breeding program in response to false-blossom disease in 1929, but after the first generation of cultivars were released in the 1950s, the program was discontinued. Decades later, renewed efforts for breeding cranberry cultivars at Rutgers University and the University of Wisconsin yielded the first modern cultivars in the 2000’s. Phenotypic data suggests that current cultivars have changed significantly in terms of fruiting habits compared to original selections from endemic populations. However, due to the few breeding and selection cycles and short domestication period of the crop, it is unclear how much cultivated germplasm differs genetically from wild selections. Moreover, the extent to which selection for agricultural superior traits has shaped the genetic and phenotypic variation of cranberry remains mostly obscure. Here, a historical collection composed of 362 accessions, spanning wild germplasm, first-, second-, and third-generation selection cycles was studied to provide a window into the breeding and domestication history of cranberry. Genome-wide sequence variation of more than 20,000 loci showed directional selection across the stages of cranberry domestication and breeding. Diversity analysis and population structure revealed a partially defined progressive bottleneck when transitioning from early domestication stages to current cranberry forms. Additionally, breeding cycles correlated with phenotypic variation for yield-related traits and anthocyanin accumulation, but not for other fruit metabolites. Particularly, average fruit weight, yield, and anthocyanin content, which were common target traits during early selection attempts, increased dramatically in second- and third-generation cycle cultivars, whereas other fruit quality traits such as Brix and acids showed comparable variation among all breeding stages. Genome-wide association mapping in this diversity panel allowed us to identify marker-trait associations for average fruit weight and fruit rot, which are two traits of great agronomic relevance today and could be further exploited to accelerate cranberry genetic improvement. This study constitutes the first genome-wide analysis of cranberry genetic diversity, which explored how the recurrent use of wild germplasm and first-generation selections into cultivar development have shaped the evolutionary history of this crop species.

Root growth phenology, anatomy, and morphology among root orders inVaccinium macrocarponAit.

Understanding the mechanisms controlling plant growth is essential in order to maintain and increase productivity in managed ecosystems. However, the lack of information on below-ground growth compared with above-ground growth limits our ability to adjust crop management practices under changing climate conditions. This study examines seasonal fine-root growth and its spatial distribution through the soil profile across the growing season, and the anatomical and morphological traits of roots according to their branching order in Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. Root production followed a unimodal curve, with one marked flush of root growth starting at bloom, with a peak at the end of fruit maturation. Root vertical distribution concentrated in the upper 5 cm of soil depth, accounting for over 50% of new roots produced during the study. Root anatomy and morphology were related to root function, as the first three root orders had intact cortex and epidermis and high mycorrhizal colonization, indicative of absorptive function, while orders ranking fifth and higher had secondary development and the presence of a cambium cork layer, indicative of translocation. Our study highlights the importance of examining the timing of root growth and root traits by root order, and its implications for the timing of fertilization and other practices in managed ecosystems.

Salivary pH before and after cranberry juice consumption

Introduction: Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is commonly consumed as a source of antioxidants. The cranberry juice has a sour and a little bit of bitter taste that can affect the salivary pH. The sour taste is a result of its high content of proanthocyanidin. Cranberry juice plays a role in maintaining oral and dental health. Cranberries’ flavonol and proanthocyanidin content play a role in preventing dental caries by preventing the growth of Streptococcus mutans. This study was aimed to compare the salivary pH before and after cranberry juice consumption. Methods: This research was quasi-experimental. The research population was the students from the Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Padjadjaran, and the sampling method was purposive sampling. Thirty-five male and female students with no history of systemic disease and drug administration, no orthodontics appliance and denture, were involved in this experiment. Students with lesions on oral mucosa were also excluded from this study. The pH measurement was performed with a digital pH meter to record the salivary pH ratio before and after consumption of cranberry juice. Before salivary pH comparison analysis was performed, the normality test was conducted, then the analysis was continued using the paired t-test. Statistical analysis was determined at α=0.05. Results: The average values of salivary pH ratio before and after consumption of cranberry juice were 6.714 and 7.246, respectively. The normality test showed that the p-value before and after consumption of cranberry juice were 0.143 and 0.285, respectively (p-value>0.05), which categorised in the normal distribution. The paired t-test statistical analysis showed the p-value of 0.001 (p-value<0.05), which considered as significant. This result indicated that there was a significant difference in the salivary pH before and after consumption of cranberry juice. Conclusion: The salivary pH is increasing after cranberry juice consumption.

Characterizing the Feeding Injury Caused by Phylloscelis rubra (Hemiptera: Dictyopharidae) to Cranberries.

Due to changes in pest management practices, farmers’ reports of severe feeding injury to cranberries, Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton Ericales: Ericaceae, caused by the cranberry toad-bug, Phylloscelis rubra Ball, have increased in recent years in New Jersey (United States). Currently, however, limited information is available on the effects of P. rubra feeding or density of individuals needed to cause injury to cranberry vines and fruit. In 2015‒2017, we conducted studies to characterize injury to cranberry at a range of P. rubra densities by using cages in a screen-house and field, to establish a correlation between P. rubra density and crop injury in an open field experiment, and to measure the effects of P. rubra injury on the nutritional content (i.e., amounts of macro- and microelements) of cranberry vines. Phylloscelis rubra feeding on cranberry vines produced typical injury symptoms at relatively low densities (i.e., 2 individuals per vine in field cages or <10 individuals per sweep net sample in open fields), which included discolored (yellowish or reddish) or dead (brown) vines. This vine injury could lead to reductions in fruit mass and total fruit number. However, P. rubra injury to cranberry vines did not alter their nutritional composition. In general, this study highlights the ability of P. rubra to cause substantial injury to cranberry vines even when population densities were relatively low, which could result in declines in fruit production (quality and quantity). Therefore, infestations by P. rubra in cranberries must be considered when making pest management decisions in regions where this insect is present.

Development of Methods for the Identification and Quantitative Determination of Hydroxycinnamic Acids in Fruits of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. and Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.

Using TLC and HPLC, we revealed the presence of hydroxycinnamic acids in the fruits of common cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.) and large-fruited cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.). Chlorogenic acid is predominant among them. The quantitative determination of hydroxycinnamic acids in terms of chlorogenic acid is carried out by spectrophotometric analysis.

The Genetic Diversity of Cranberry Crop Wild Relatives, Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton and V. oxycoccos L., in the US, with Special Emphasis on National Forests.

Knowledge of the genetic diversity in populations of crop wild relatives (CWR) can inform effective strategies for their conservation and facilitate utilization to solve agricultural challenges. Two crop wild relatives of the cultivated cranberry are widely distributed in the US. We studied 21 populations of Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton and 24 populations of Vaccinium oxycoccos L. across much of their native ranges in the US using 32 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. We observed high levels of heterozygosity for both species across populations with private alleles ranging from 0 to 26. For V. macrocarpon, we found a total of 613 alleles and high levels of heterozygosity (HO = 0.99, HT = 0.75). We also observed high numbers of alleles (881) and levels of heterozygosity (HO = 0.71, HT = 0.80) in V. oxycoccos (4x). Our genetic analyses confirmed the field identification of a native population of V. macrocarpon on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the state of Washington, far outside the previously reported range for the species. Our results will help to inform efforts of the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) and the United States Forest Service (USFS) to conserve the most diverse and unique wild cranberry populations through ex situ preservation of germplasm and in situ conservation in designated sites on National Forests.

Variability in the Qualitative and Quantitative Composition and Content of Phenolic Compounds in the Fruit of Introduced American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton).

The aim of this study was to determine the composition and content of phenolic compounds in ethanol extracts of eight different cultivars of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) fruit using spectrophotometric and UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis and to evaluate the antioxidant activity in vitro of these extracts. The highest total amount of phenolic compounds evaluated via Folin–Ciocalteu spectrophotometry was detected in American cranberry fruit samples of the ‘Bain’ clone, and the highest total amount of flavonoids was found in samples of the ‘Drever’ and ‘Baiwfay’ cultivars. The highest total amount of the individual phenolic compounds (519.53 ± 25.12 mg/g DW) identified and quantitatively evaluated via chromatography was detected in samples of the ‘Searles’ cranberry cultivar. In the studied cranberry samples, the predominant phenolic compounds were hyperoside, quercetin, and procyanidin A2, while the amounts of other compounds were significantly lower. HCA and PCA revealed that ‘Woolman’, ‘Holliston’, ‘Pilgrim, and ‘Searles’ fruit samples had different quantitative content of phenolic compounds from other cranberry cultivars. Meanwhile, fruit of ‘Baiwfay’, ‘Drever’, ‘Bain’, and ‘Bergman’ were similar in their phytochemical profile.

The effect of cranberry consumption on lipid metabolism and inflammation in human apo A-I transgenic mice fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet.

Lipid metabolism and inflammation contribute to CVD development. This study investigated whether the consumption of cranberries (CR; Vaccinium macrocarpon) can alter HDL metabolism and prevent inflammation in mice expressing human apo A-I transgene (hApoAITg), which have similar HDL profiles to those of humans. Male hApoAITg mice were fed a modified American Institute of Nutrition-93M high-fat/high-cholesterol diet (16 % fat, 0·25 % cholesterol, w/w; n 15) or the high-fat/high-cholesterol diet containing CR (5 % dried CR powder, w/w, n 16) for 8 weeks. There were no significant differences in body weight between the groups. Serum total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and TAG concentrations were significantly lower in the control than CR group with no significant differences in serum HDL-cholesterol and apoA-I. Mice fed CR showed significantly lower serum lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity than the control. Liver weight and steatosis were not significantly different between the groups, but hepatic expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism was significantly lower in the CR group. In the epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), the CR group showed higher weights with decreased expression of genes for lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. The mRNA abundance of F4/80, a macrophage marker and the numbers of crown-like structures were less in the CR group. In the soleus muscle, the CR group also demonstrated higher expression of genes for fatty acid β-oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis than those of the control. In conclusion, although CR consumption elicited minor effects on HDL metabolism, it prevented obesity-induced inflammation in eWAT with concomitant alterations in soleus muscle energy metabolism.

Current uses and knowledge of medicinal plants in the Autonomous Community of Madrid (Spain): a descriptive cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe usage of medicinal plants as a key component of complementary and alternative medicine, has acquired renewed interest in developed countries. The current situation of medicinal plants in Spain is very limited. This paper provides new insights and greater knowledge about current trends and consumption patterns of medicinal plants in the Autonomous Community of Madrid (Spain) for health benefits.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was designed for a population-based survey on medicinal plants. The data were collected (May 2018 to May 2019) using semi-structured face-to-face interviews in independent pharmacies, hospital centers and primary care health centers in the Autonomous Community of Madrid. The survey had 18 multiple choice and open-ended questions. Quantitative indices were calculated: Fidelity Level (FL), Use Value (UV) and Informants Consensus Factor (ICF). Chi-square test was used for data analysis.ResultsFive hundred forty-three people were interviewed. The majority of the participants (89.6%) have used medicinal plants to treat health disorders in the past 12 months, mainly for digestive problems, sleep disorders and central nervous system diseases. A total of 78 plants were recorded, being Matricaria recutita, Valeriana officinalis, Tilia spp. and Aloe vera the most used. The highest UV was found for Mentha pulegium (UV 0.130) followed by Aloe vera (UV 0.097) and Vaccinium macrocarpon. (UV 0.080). The highest FL values were for Eucalyptus spp. (FL 90.47%) for respiratory conditions and, Matricaria recutita (85.55%) and Mentha pulegium (84.09%) for digestive problems. The highest ICF corresponded to metabolism and depression (ICF = 1), pain (ICF = 0.97), insomnia (ICF = 0.96) and anxiety (ICF = 0.95). Participants mostly acquired herbal medicines from pharmacies, herbal shops and supermarkets. Some side effects (tachycardia, dizziness and gastrointestinal symptoms) and potential interactions medicinal plants-drugs (V. officinalis and benzodiazepines) were reported.ConclusionMany inhabitants of the Autonomous Community of Madrid currently use herbal products to treat minor health problems. The most common consumer pattern are young women between 18 and 44 years of age with higher education. In order to confirm the pattern, further research should be focused to investigate current uses of medicinal plants in other Spanish regions.

Alginate-, Carboxymethyl Cellulose-, and κ-Carrageenan-Based Microparticles as Storage Vehicles for Cranberry Extract.

This study discusses the relationship between the structural properties of the selected polysaccharides (low (ALGLV) and medium viscosity (ALGMV) sodium alginate, 90 kDa (CMC90) and 250 kDa (CMC250) carboxymethyl cellulose, and κ-carrageenan (CARκ)) and their abilities to serve as protective materials of encapsulated large cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) fruit extract (CE) from losing its health beneficial activities during long-term storage. The microparticles were characterized in terms of their encapsulation efficiency (UV-Vis and FTIR), morphology (SEM) and the physical stability in various environments (gravimetry). The microparticles’ size and encapsulation efficiency were 46–50 µm and 28–58%, respectively, and the microparticles were physically stable. CMC90 and ALGMV most efficiently protected the plant extract from losing its biological activity after 18 months, while the plant extract stored outside the particles had lost its activity. CE was intended for oral administration, thus CE release from the microparticles was monitored in vitro under gastrointestinal conditions. In vitro gastrointestinal release studies revealed that the ALGMV-, CMC90-, and CMC250-based particles exhibited the desired intestinal release pattern. This result supports the suitability of sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose for the safe delivery of CE to the intestines while maintaining its biological properties and improving long-term storage stability.

Anti-urolithiasis activity of &lt;em&gt;Vaccinium macrocarpon&lt;/em&gt; fruits: An &lt;em&gt;in vitro &lt;/em&gt;study

Objective: To perform the phytochemical screening and in vitro Calcium Oxalate anti-urolithaitic activity of Vaccinium macrocarpon aqueous and ethanolic fruit extracts. Methods: The aqueous and ethanolic extracts from, fruit pulp was subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening and the anti-urolithiasis activity was evaluated on in vitro models like Calcium Oxalate dissolution assay, Calcium Oxalate nucleation and aggregation assay. Results: Following the phytochemical screening it was concluded that the ethanolic and aqueous extracts were found to be rich in flavonoids, steroids, phenols, coumarins, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides. The anti urolithiatic activity was found to be dose dependent. A 35.6±0.06 and 33.43±0.02 percentage of Calcium Oxalate nucleation was exhibited by the 40mg/ml aqueous and methanolic extracts respectively, while percentage inhibition of Calcium Oxalate aggregation was found to be 32.2±0.06 and 34.6±0.02 by 40mg/ml dilution of aqueous and methanolic extracts respectively. However the aqueous and methanolic extracts exhibited a higher capacity to dissolve the Calcium Oxalate crystals prepared homogenously. Percentage inhibitions of 44.2±0.06 and 47.3±0.02 were shown by the aqueous and methanolic extracts respectively. Conclusions: The study indicates that the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Vaccinium macrocarpon fruits showed inhibition against the important phases of Calcium Oxalate urolithiasis like nucleation and aggregation. It also aids the dissolution of the Calcium Oxalate crystals prepared. Owing to the rich presence of polyphenols and flavanoids, Vaccinium macrocarpon proves to be an easily available and a beneficial alternative or adjunctive treatment for Calcium Oxalate urolithiasis. Further in vivo and clinical explorations are required to confirm the efficacy of Vaccinium macrocarpon as an antiurolithiatic.

Cranberry Polyphenols and Prevention against Urinary Tract Infections: Relevant Considerations.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a distinctive source of polyphenols as flavonoids and phenolic acids that has been described to display beneficial effects against urinary tract infections (UTIs), the second most common type of infections worldwide. UTIs can lead to significant morbidity, especially in healthy females due to high rates of recurrence and antibiotic resistance. Strategies and therapeutic alternatives to antibiotics for prophylaxis and treatment against UTIs are continuously being sought after. Different to cranberry, which have been widely recommended in traditional medicine for UTIs prophylaxis, probiotics have emerged as a new alternative to the use of antibiotics against these infections and are the subject of new research in this area. Besides uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), the most common bacteria causing uncomplicated UTIs, other etiological agents, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae or Gram-positive bacteria of Enterococcus and Staphylococcus genera, seem to be more widespread than previously appreciated. Considerable current effort is also devoted to the still-unraveled mechanisms that are behind the UTI-protective effects of cranberry, probiotics and their new combined formulations. All these current topics in the understanding of the protective effects of cranberry against UTIs are reviewed in this paper. Further progresses expected in the coming years in these fields are also discussed.

Separation of proanthocyanidin polymers from American cranberries and predictive modeling of depolymerization using response surface methodology

About 85% of proanthocyanidins in the American cranberries are polymers with degree of polymerization above 4. These polymers have lower absorption rates and bioactivities than oligomers of smaller sizes. In the present study, proanthocyanidin polymers were separated from cranberries using a two-step chromatographic method and depolymerized into a mixture of monomers, dimers, trimers, and tetramers. Adding epicatechin as a chain breaker yielded 1659 mg oligomers per gram of polymers compared to a yield of 221 mg oligomers in the absence of epicatechin under predicted optimal conditions. Predictive modeling using response surface methodology showed that higher yields of oligomers were achieved at higher temperature and moderate acid concentration in the presence of epicatechin. Shorter reaction time and high acid concentration were favored in the absence of epicatechin. This research provided a practical approach to depolymerize proanthocyanidin polymers and had the potential to increase bioavailability and bioactivity of proanthocyanidins in cranberry extracts. Practical applications Cranberry extracts containing bioactive proanthocyanidins are being used as dietary supplements for prevention of urinary tract infections and other chronic conditions. However, about 85% of cranberry proanthocyanidins are polymers with degree of polymerization above 4. These polymers are not absorbable, therefore, their bioactivities were much lower than oligomers of smaller sizes. This research provided a practical approach to separate proanthocyanidin polymers from cranberries and convert them to monomers, dimers, trimers, and tetramers with higher absorption rates than polymers.

Western herbal remedies for Urinary Tract infections

Fourteen medicinal plants native to North America and Europe traditionally used for treatment urinary tract infections (UTIs) were reviewed for their traditional uses, pharmacological activities, Active compounds responsible for its therapeutic potential, mechanism of action of its active compounds and In Vitro and In Vivo studies of its activity in treatment of UTIs. Those medicinal plants were Junipers (Juniperus spp.), Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis, S. virgaurea and S. gigantea), Common nettle (Urtica dioica), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), Corn silk (Stigma maydis), Couch grass (Agropyrum repens). Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis), Hosretail (Equisetum arvense), Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). Buchu (Agathosma betulina and A. crenulata) and Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium). All of those medicinal plants found to have various pharmaceutical activities making it potent herbal remedies for UTIs in addition to various human diseases.

Environmental aspects of cranberry cultivation in the south of the Khabarovsk Territory

The article represents the results of the introduction of American varieties of Vaccinium macrocarpon in the Khabarovsk Territory. Cranberry is of great value in human nutrition due to its high nutritional significance and unique medicinal value. The experience of plantation cultivation of cranberry in the United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Poland, and Belarus proves the high efficiency of its cultivation: yields on plantations are tens or even hundreds of times higher than in natural brushwoods. Early, medium and medium-late varieties with high consumer properties are the most suitable for cultivation in the South of the Khabarovsk Territory. The advantages of cranberry cultivation in the region are the wide distribution of peat-like and peaty soils, suitable natural and climatic conditions, experimental confirmation of the possibility to obtain high yields of berries, and a high economic effect. Cranberry cultivation can also help reduce the anthropogenic load on the natural berry fields of the region. The paper provides data on the survivability, length of shoots growth, and yield of these varieties.

Mitochondrial genome of the nonphotosynthetic mycoheterotrophic plant Hypopitys monotropa, its structure, gene expression and RNA editing.

Heterotrophic plants—plants that have lost the ability to photosynthesize—are characterized by a number of changes at all levels of organization. Heterotrophic plants are divided into two large categories—parasitic and mycoheterotrophic (MHT). The question of to what extent such changes are similar in these two categories is still open. The plastid genomes of nonphotosynthetic plants are well characterized, and they exhibit similar patterns of reduction in the two groups. In contrast, little is known about the mitochondrial genomes of MHT plants. We report the structure of the mitochondrial genome of Hypopitys monotropa, a MHT member of Ericaceae, and the expression of its genes. In contrast to its highly reduced plastid genome, the mitochondrial genome of H. monotropa is larger than that of its photosynthetic relative Vaccinium macrocarpon, and its complete size is ~810 Kb. We observed an unusually long repeat-rich structure of the genome that suggests the existence of linear fragments. Despite this unique feature, the gene content of the H. monotropa mitogenome is typical of flowering plants. No acceleration of substitution rates is observed in mitochondrial genes, in contrast to previous observations in parasitic non-photosynthetic plants. Transcriptome sequencing revealed the trans-splicing of several genes and RNA editing in 33 of 38 genes. Notably, we did not find any traces of horizontal gene transfer from fungi, in contrast to plant parasites, which extensively integrate genetic material from their hosts.

Chemopreventive Effects of Cranberry Extracts on Colitis-Associated Colon Cancer

Abstract Objectives Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are at a greater risk of developing colon carcinoma. Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are a commonly grown crop in North America which contain constituents relevant to human health, including flavonoids, phenolics and terpenoids. Recently, we have demonstrated the chemopreventive effects of whole cranberry fruits against colitis and colon cancer in murine models. However, the secondary metabolites in cranberry fruit could play different contributions against colon carcinogenesis. Thus, comparing nonpolar (ECE) and polar extracts (DPE) of cranberries to determine their efficacy on colon carcinogenesis is desired. Methods Selected polyphenols and other constituents were determined using established methods: quantitative 1H NMR methods by Bruker Assure-RMS for triterpenoids, HPLC-DAD for anthocyanins and flavonol glycosides and proanthocyanidins by DMAC assay. Over half of ECE was made up of triterpenes and sterols and trace amount of proanthocyanidins. Over 70% of DPE was polyphenol and trace amount of triterpenes. Higher free-radical scavenging activity was found in DPE than ECE. Results Next, we determined the chemopreventive effects of ECE and DPE extracts against colitis-associated colon cancer in azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated mice. It was observed that oral administration of ECE and DPE extracts at physiologically achievable doses significantly suppressed the development of colitis-associated colon cancer, evidenced by decreased tumor incidence, multiplicity and burden, compared to the control group, while minimum side-effect was observed. ECE treatment also reversed the shortening of colon caused by colitis. qRT-PCR results showed that gene expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly attenuated by ECE and DPE interventions, in comparison to the control group. Conclusions In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the novel cranberry extracts may offer an efficacious, safe and inexpensive means to prevent colonic tumorigenesis in humans, particularly for individuals with chronic inflammation. Funding Sources USDA-NIFA, Leo and Anne Albert Charitable Trust, UMass Cranberry Health Research Center/UMass President's S&amp;T Initiative, and NIH.